Tiny Cuteness...

A friend asked me to come up with a design for "beanie babies" that would represent tiny "Preemies" born in a hospital... The notion is that guests at the Grand Opening of hospital's new Women's and Children's wing could feel and hold these little "babies" cared for in the hospital's NICU.

They are roughly 10" long and weigh 1.5 pounds, stuffed with Calrose rice. Their little beenie hats are made from the tops of children's socks. Their bodies are made from adult tee-shirt fabrics.

Can't imagine having a baby that size...But in today's highly techno world, they survive all the time:)

I'm delivering them to their new home today...

Celebrating women...

Most of my friends are probably getting tired of my raves about Women's Empowerment, the organization that takes up much of my free time. I'm not sure I've ever been so wrapped up in seeing the success of so many women, so it's difficult NOT to share it to anyone who will listen.

Those who have known me for a long time know that I struggled in my younger years, just like many of the women who work to make a better life for themselves through Women's Empowerment. I was never homeless, but I wasn't a very successful husband picker (before my sweet Dave) and I surely wasn't particularly smart in other life choices. In truth, I'm not sure what separates me from these women, why I was spared from a downward spiral of my own creation. Perhaps because I had a strong family support system, something many of these women lack. It wasn't luck or karma, I'm sure, but most likely a merciful God who watched out for me before I ever knew Him.

Regardless of how I got here, it gave me a heart for these women.  From my reception desk, I see them walk into WE in the midst of their own personal storm and walk out months later with a new self-confidence and renewed hope.  We are their support system, their cheerleaders, their teachers, their mentors. They learn to smile all over again, and I am moved.

Last night we celebrated their successes and achievements at WE's annual gala. If I could have captured a photo of all 100 of them I would have.

What a night! 

What special women! 

MAGIC!!!

 

 

I am humbled that they call me friend.

Laurel

Finding Ground...

"Momma said there'd be days like this, there'd be days like this, my Momma said..."

Mom was right.  We can't always be on the hilltop.  There will be times when we are in the valley. The funny thing is we often don't even know why.  We can't put our finger on it...we're just "off". My usual end-all beat-all remedy is to go shopping.  But I also love to just hide out in my sewing room, fix an espresso, turn on the cooking channel and work on a few sewing projects.

Today, Colette joined me in finishing a couple of projects that have been circling in the recesses of my brain for a week or so. One idea was to convert a t-shirt from my volunteer gig with Karen's Bakery in Folsom during the AmGen bicycle tour a couple of years ago.  I loved the logo on the shirt, but I generally don't wear men's t-shirts - they fit weird (duh - they're made for men!). I wanted to preserve the integrity of the logo, yet style it in a more feminine way.

Voila!!!

I swear, polka dots are enough to bring a smile to any one's face.

 

I also worked on a top that I started a month ago that was languishing on Colette.  Originally I put sleeves on it and it looked horrid on me, as the fit was all wrong.  When a project goes south, I have been known to abandon it totally, but I loved this Stonemountain fabric.  I tackled it today, feeling a little more grounded after the polka dot success.

This fabric is rather bold, so I decided to use both sides of the fabric to give it a little edge.  The collar and back yoke are made with the right side showing and the body of the blouse shows the wrong side, for a much softer color palette.

I have to admit that conquering a project problem is very satisfying.  I tried it on, and that little negative Debbie Downer on my shoulder reminded me that my arms are not quite what they used to be. But since it turned out so cute, I decided that all I need is a pair of skinny jeans and a tan and I'll rock this sucker. Now that's being real...grounded again.

Laurel. Sewing Heals.  (LOL!)